York College of Law’s Legal Sports Day defeats the weather

4 May 2012

Lawyers and law students from across the North and beyond ignored the rain showers and competed hard at this year’s Legal Sports Day held by The College of Law York.

A record 42 teams entered the competition to win trophies in netball, football and rugby at the annual event held on Saturday, April 28 in the College’s grounds in Bishopthorpe.

Students past and present from the College’s York centre battled teams from Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle universities, the College’s Chester, Manchester and Bloomsbury centres and law firms DLA Piper, Parabis Law, Squire Sanders, Addleshaw Goddard, Pinsent Masons, Pepperells and Walker Morris. Also invited to enter the competition this year were MCASS (Manchester Chartered Accountants Student Society) and the Law Society of Ireland.

Paul Aber, Centre Director of The College of Law, York said: “After five years of sunny weather for the event we knew that one day it might rain. However we know how much everyone loves our sports day and didn’t want to disappoint people including our former students, many of whom had travelled from far and wide. All teams turned up, all events were completed and a great time was had by all. This event is a great way to enjoy sport and have fun while making new friends and useful contacts along the way.”

“A huge thank you goes to our new main sponsor this year, legal recruitment consultancy CapeClarke, as well at to our stalwart sponsors DLA Piper, Wesleyan for Lawyers and Your Marquee. Of course the event couldn’t go ahead without a considerable amount of hard work put in by College staff and students and without the many teams and spectators who take time out to come along and participate in such a great spirit.”

This year’s ‘Football Cup’ winners were Newcastle University Student Law Society with The College of Law York Old Boys 05/07 as runners up. ‘Football Plate’ winners were defending title-holders the College’s Manchester centre with The College of Law York Old Boys 07/09 as runners up.

‘Football Cup’ winners Newcastle University Student Law Society

The College’s Manchester centre Alumni team also claimed the ‘Netball Cup’ for a third year running pushing Leeds University Student Law Society’s netball team into runner up position. The College Alumni teams triumphed again with The College of Law ‘Yorkies’ Old Girls team winning the ‘Netball Plate’.

‘Netball Cup’ winners for the third year, The College of Law Manchester Alumni team

For the second year the Rugby final saw The College of Law York home team beaten by Leeds University Medics, who took the ‘Rugby Cup’. DLA Piper took away the ’Rugby Plate’.

Terry Cape of CapeClarke said “We were very happy to sponsor the York College of Law Sports Day and were pleased to see that, despite the weather, everyone had such a great time as usual. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year.”

Liam McAllister of DLA Piper Leeds’ football team said: ”Even the rain couldn’t dampen the spirit of all who attended”, while Ian Howard of Newcastle University Student Law Society added: "This was a great way to meet law firms in a relaxed atmosphere."